As a digital parent, I learn about and review many apps I think families should know about. But it's rare that I have the chance to meet and talk one on one with the creator of the app, much less get a first look at the app before anyone else.

Note: I was invited as media to this event and received a gift card to download the app for review purposes. No other compensation was received. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Well, in truth my son was the one who had the first play, while I spoke with Kelly McMahon, author and creator of Bedtime for Sarah Sullivan, a new children's book app.

Bedtime for Sarah Sullivan is the first book in the Sarah Sullivan series and captures the magical hour that happens every night at bedtime, when kids "try" to go to sleep. Sarah is a bright confident little girl with a keen sense of adventure and is not afraid to express herself. Readers are invited to travel with Sarah through the wonders of her imagination as she learns what it is like to create her own dreams.

The storyline of a Father putting his daughter to sleep was inspired by Kelly's husband, actor Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck, Fantastic Four) and his close relationship with their daughter Madison ("Maddy").

During the meeting I spoke with Kelly and Julian about the important of building a routine with your child. Something that parents can do regularly to bond with their child over. Having a night time routine is a great and easy way to do this.

"Reading at bedtime is such a great way to connect with your children, creating new adventures and memories," said Julian McMahon. "It's a daily ritual I enjoyed with Maddy and hope other parents can have the same wonderful experience through the Bedtime for Sarah Sullivan app.

Julian shared how as an actor he was very busy. He traveled a lot, worked long hours etc. But he tried to not miss a bedtime routine with his daughter. It not only kept their bond strong but he felt it also helped to put her (and him) in a positive frame of mind every night, the next day and beyond.

Kelly agrees about the positive after effects and shared

"Recent studies show that the 30 minutes before bedtime can significantly affect a child's tomorrow, setting the stage for a happy and successful next day," said Kelly McMahon, Bedtime for Sarah Sullivan author with previous elementary school teaching experience. "This inspired me to create a positive storytelling environment. Along with the activities, the app is designed to empower young girls and boys from an early developmental age with a nightly bedtime ritual of practiced positive imagination."

Positivity, encouragement and fun are standout ideas in both the physical book and the app version. I was able to view the story in book form (my son received his own personal signed copy) and then within the app.

The Bedtime for Sarah Sullivan app has interactive pages that feature objects and/or characters that make sounds, movement or speak upon touch. Julian provides the voice of the father and the Queen's gnome while his daughter Maddy brings to life the character of Sarah, a modern little girl who is outgoing, bold, and expressive.

Both my son and I enjoyed demoing the storybook app and the games. Everything was so creative and fun! I was really impress with the Bedtime for Sarah Sullivan app and Kelly's dedication to having the app make a positive impact on families. I highly recommend the app and know your family will enjoy it also.

The Bedtime for Sarah Sullivan, children's book app is available on iOS for Apple, Google Play for Android and Kindle for a special back-to-school price of $2.99.

What is your bedtime routine (for yourself or with your child)?

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How very cool that you got to meet the creator of the app and her muse! I agree that bedtime routines are very important and that reading at bedtime is something that not only creates a bonding moment, but promotes learning as well. We read every night to all of the Tiny Tupps in the house (even our 9 year old)! It's a big moment of togetherness and calm after busy days.

I just realized that I didn't answer your question. For our bedtime routine, my son does the usual teeth brushing/hand washing. Then he gets time to read in bed with his book light before going to sleep.

When my kids were little we always had snack time followed by a bath. Once everyone was all dry and in pj's we would cuddle in for a story. Reading at bed time is a great way to relax and be ready to fall asleep.

We don't have a really set routine. We do some reading a few times a week - but usually the kids like to play with their friends (we're in an apartment and friends are at school until almost 7) so it is a quick, eat, shower, brush and sleep by 9.